Vietnam Travel 18 Days | Vietnam Travel | Itinerary

8.00 - 8.30: Pick up by our friendly guide to begin your Hanoi city exploration.

08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy - It is the most unique pagoda in the world
Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…

NOTE: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. So you will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead, which offers a deep insight into the country’s rich history and the vital role women have played in its culture and development.

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed for at least 2 months (15th June -15th August) for the annual maintenance but still you can take pictures of the Mausoleum and visit around that area.

11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam
Special Note: we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

12.45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with 8 delicious dishes.

14.00 - 14.15: Continue to visit the Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11th century.

15.15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which was originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton.

16.15 - 16.30: Tour concludes.

17.00: Drop off your luggage at our office. Enjoy free time to explore the city or relax at your own pace

21:00: Get picked up at the meeting point to prepare for the trip to Sapa.

21:30: Board the overnight sleeper bus and start your journey to Sapa. Enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep on board.

• Transportation: Limousine or Tourist Bus and Sleeping bus/ Cabin vip bus Hanoi - Sapa
• English-speaking guide (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Vietnamese lunch served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Overnight on the transportation from Hanoi to Sapa

05:00: Arrive in Sapa town. You can continue to sleep on the bus until 06:00.

06:00: Our tour guide picks you up from the bus station and transfers you to the hotel for breakfast.

08:30: Begin a trekking journey to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong people. Explore their unique customs, visit the traditional houses, and see the scenic Cat Cat Waterfall and the historic French-built hydroelectric power station. Take your time for sightseeing and souvenir photos.

11:30: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by the hotel check-in procedure.

Afternoon: Enjoy free time at your leisure to explore Sapa town, visit the Stone Church, or relax at a local cafe.

18:30: Have dinner at the restaurant and stay overnight at the hotel in Sapa.

• Transportation
• Local English Tour guide in Sapa (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets: Cat Cat Village,...
• Accommodation: Not included

07:00 - 08:00: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

08:00 - 08:30: Transfer to Sun Station for the Muong Hoa Mountain Train. Arrive at the cable car station to begin your ascent to Fansipan Peak-the "Roof of Indochina"- and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Sapa.
(Note: Fansipan cable car and mountain train tickets are not included; please purchase on-site or contact our guide for assistance).

12:00 - 12:30: Have lunch at the hotel.

14:00: Begin a 6 km trek southeast of Sapa along the Muong Hoa valley slopes to Y Linh Ho village. Continue walking 3 km through local bridges and scenic trails to reach Lao Chai village, home of the Black H’mong people.

16:30: Arrive at Ta Van village, a vibrant commune of the Day and Mong ethnic groups. Explore local landmarks such as the Ancient Rock Beach and Cau May (Rattan Bridge).

17:30: Check-in at your homestay. Join an authentic cooking class to learn the art of making traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.

18:30: Enjoy a local dinner and stay overnight at the homestay in Ta Van village.

• Transportation
• Local English Tour guide in Sapa (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets: Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van Village,...
• Accommodation: Homestay in Ta Van Village
• Not included: Fansipan Cable Car

07:00: Enjoy breakfast at the homestay.

08:00 - 08:30: Begin an 8 km trek to explore Giang Ta Chai Village, home to the Red Dao people. Discover their vibrant traditions, unique customs, and the stunning natural landscapes of the region.

12:00: Have lunch and rest at the homestay before the return journey.

14:00: The car picks you up for the transfer back to Sapa town.

15:30: Board the bus for the return trip to Hanoi.

21:30: Arrive in Hanoi. The bus will drop you off at Tran Quang Khai or Ly Thai To Street.

• Transportation
• Local English Tour guide in Sapa (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Breakfast, Lunch are served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets: Ta Van, Giang Ta Chai Village,...
• Accommodation: Not included

7.15: Pick up by our experienced guide for the journey from your hotel.

9.15: Take a short 20-minute break to relax.

9.45 - 10.30: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to step back into the 10th-century heart of Vietnam, a historic sanctuary protected by a natural fortress of limestone mountains. You will enjoy a leisurely, easy walk across the spacious and flat grounds, offering a refreshing sense of openness and comfort. Explore the majestic Dinh King Temple and admire the serene architecture of the Le King Temple, dedicated to the nation’s founding heroes. This sacred land offers a perfect blend of profound history and tranquil, wide-open landscapes for every traveler.

10.45 - 12.15: Exploring Mua Cave - The "Muse of Ninh Binh."
Mua Cave - widely known as the 'Muse of Ninh Binh.' This activity is a highlight for those who love a bit of adventure, as you will embark on a hike up 500 stone steps to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain. The climb requires a good level of fitness, but the reward is truly worth it: a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view over the entire Tam Coc valley and its winding rivers. While at the summit, you can also admire the majestic Dragon Statue before descending to visit the charming heart-shaped lotus pond below. It is the perfect blend of natural beauty and an invigorating workout!
Ngoa Long Mountain Peak: Admire the iconic Dragon Statue and soak in the 360-degree panoramic view of the Tam Coc valley, winding rivers, and paddy fields.
The Lotus Pond: A giant heart-shaped lotus pond (seasonal), perfect for "check-in" photos.

12.30 - 13.30: A Gourmet Culinary Journey - Not Just a Lunch, But an Experience
Savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring the "soul" of Ninh Binh’s culinary heritage at our cozy, welcoming restaurant. We invite you to a lunch experience that sets us apart. We understand that a great trip deserves a great meal, which is why we bypass the common, crowded buffets found in budget tours. Instead, we take you to a luxurious, quiet sanctuary to enjoy a carefully curated Set Menu. With a cost investment double or triple that of standard tours, we serve authentic Ninh Binh delicacies prepared with the finest local spices. This isn't just a break-it's a premium culinary highlight of your day, ensuring you stay energized and happy for the rest of your adventure.

13.45 - 14.15: Enjoy Rural Village Cycling (Optional)
Enjoy a 30-minute bike ride through the peaceful village paths to see the local life. This easy cycle across the spacious and flat rural roads offers a refreshing sense of freedom, letting you breathe in the fresh air and connect with the tranquil soul of the Vietnamese countryside.
If you prefer not to cycle, our private car will drive you directly to the next destination, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing journey.

14.15 - 15.00: Bich Dong Pagoda - An Ancient Sanctuary of Spiritual Heritage
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda - A spiritual masterpiece built into a majestic mountainside. You will explore three ancient temples - Lower, Middle, and Upper Pagodas - stepped upward through mystical mountain caves. Each level requires climbing stone stairs, offering a unique journey through the heart of the mountain toward a profound sense of peace and inner harmony.

15.00 - 16.30: Boat trip in Tam Coc -  as known as Halong Bay on land
Discover Tam Coc - A 1.5-hour boat trip through 100% untouched nature. Drift along the serene Ngo Dong River to explore a breathtaking landscape of three mystical limestone caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba). This pure, wild scenery offers a picturesque escape, where vibrant rice paddy fields and towering mountains create a truly mesmerizing and pristine atmosphere for every nature lover.

16.30: Our professional driver will take you on a comfortable journey to your hotel in Ninh Binh 

Overnight in Ninh Binh

• Transportation: Limousine 
• English-speaking guide (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Vietnamese lunch served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Not included

08:00 - 08:30: Pick-up from your hotel or homestay in Ninh Binh for a 3.5-hour drive to Mai Chau valley.

11:30 - 12:00: Arrive in Mai Chau, the cultural heart of the White Thai people. Enjoy lunch in a traditional stilt house featuring Northwest mountain specialties, followed by a short rest to admire the local atmosphere.

13:30: Start a cycling tour through picturesque rice fields and rural villages. Discover the unique culture of the White Thai ethnic group and visit local brocade weaving workshops to see traditional handicrafts.

15:30: Explore Nhim Cave. Hike to the mountain peak for a stunning panoramic view over the entire Mai Chau valley.

16:30: Return to the homestay for a short tea break and relaxation.

17:00: Board the bus for the journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

18:30: Arrive in Pu Luong. 

• Transportation
• English-speaking guide (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Vietnamese lunch served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Not included

08:00 - 08:30: Pickup from your hotel to visit Lan Village. Walk through scenic rice fields and mountains to visit a local Thai household. Experience the traditional silk-weaving process-from cocoon to textile-and try weaving your own silk.

09:15: Continue to Chieng Lau Village to witness traditional farming practices and see the ancient bamboo waterwheels in action.

10:00: Begin a scenic 4km trek from Chieng Lau to Cham Stream, stopping at a local house along the way to experience genuine hospitality and regional culture.

10:45: Arrive at Cham Stream for a bamboo rafting adventure. Relax as you float through lush forests and rice paddies. (Note: Bring a swimsuit and towel if you wish to swim).

11:30: Enjoy a unique lunch served directly on the bamboo raft.

13:00 - 13:30: Farewell to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Board the bus for your return journey to Hanoi.

18:30 - 19:00: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi.

• Transportation
• English-speaking guide (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Vietnamese lunch served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Not included

Today is your full day at leisure to explore the historic and soulful capital of Hanoi in your own way. From the buzzing narrow streets of the Old Quarter to the tranquil lakes, there is a perfect balance of tradition and modernity waiting to be discovered.

You might choose to spend your day:

• Wandering through the Hanoi Old Quarter, exploring the "36 Streets" and hunting for unique handicrafts.
• Relaxing by the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and visiting the Ngoc Son Temple on its small island.
• Enjoying a world-famous Hanoi Egg Coffee at a hidden rooftop cafe overlooking the city.
• Tasting legendary street food such as Bun Cha, Pho, or Banh Mi at local stalls.
• Watching a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique art form originating from Northern Vietnam.
• Enjoy the freedom to set your own pace and immerse yourself in the local rhythm of Hanoi life!

Meals: On your own account.
Accommodation: Not included.
Transportation/Guide: Not included for this free day.

08:00 - 08:45: Our limousine or private car will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for the journey to Halong Bay.

11:30 - 12:00: Arrive at the harbor. Enjoy a warm welcome at the waiting lounge while completing check-in procedures.

12:15 - 12:45: Transfer to the cruise. Guests enjoy a welcome drink while listening to a brief safety introduction and the cruise itinerary.

13:00 - 14:00: Savor a delicious lunch at the restaurant while the cruise glides deeper into the heart of the bay, passing by thousands of majestic limestone karsts.

14:30 - 16:30: Explore the bay’s hidden gems. You will visit a beautiful natural cave with impressive stalactites and participate in outdoor activities such as kayaking or swimming in the emerald water.

17:30 - 18:30: Return to the cruise to relax. Enjoy a Sunset Party on the sundeck with snacks and drinks, or participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.

19:30: Enjoy dinner at the restaurant featuring fresh local seafood and international cuisine.

21:00: Evening leisure time. You can try your luck with squid fishing, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, or simply relax on the deck under the stars.

Overnight on board.

• Transportation: Limousine
• English-speaking guide (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Lunch and Dinner are served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Included an overnight stay on board. For your group, accommodation is typically arranged in double or triple rooms for 2 to 3 guests. If you prefer a single room, an additional surcharge will apply upon request.

06:15 - 06:45: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy the peaceful sunrise over the water.

07:00 - 07:45: A light breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries is served to energize you for the morning activities.

08:00 - 09:00: Continue your exploration of the bay. Experience a traditional bamboo boat ride rowed by locals or enjoy further kayaking to admire the stunning landscape from a closer view.

09:30: Return to the cruise. Pack your luggage and complete the check-out process at the reception.

10:00 - 11:00: Enjoy brunch while the cruise slowly heads back to the harbor.

11:15 - 11:30: Disembark and say goodbye to the crew.

12:00: Transfer back to Hanoi by limousine or private car.

15:30 - 16:00: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi 

16:00 - 20:30: Arrive Hanoi
 

• Transportation: Limousine Halong Bay - Hanoi
• English-speaking guide (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Breakfast and Brunch are served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Not included

After breakfast at your hotel, our driver will meet you for a private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Da Nang - the stunning coastal gateway of Central Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is entirely yours to relax and recharge after your flight.

Whether you want to sink your toes into the soft sands of My Khe Beach, enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean, or simply explore the local cafes and vibrant streets at your own pace, this free day allows you to enjoy Da Nang exactly how you wish.

Note:

• Meals: On your own account.
• Accommodation: Not included.
• Transportation: Private car transfer for airport pick-up and drop-off included.

Free time in the morning

12.00 - 12.15: The transportation and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Da Nang Area
Start your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut for being a fisherman at Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will experience learning traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the tranquil coconut palm waterways of the past war. On this tour, we provide authentic social and cultural insight into the local way of life in Vietnam. Furthermore, you will take part in some hands-on activities which are fun, safe, and interesting and suitable for everybody.

14.30: Visit to the next destination to Hoi An Old Town. 

Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings. 

You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world. You will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House. 

Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance. 

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.
Dinner with Hoi An specialty food. 

18.00: Enjoy your time with the boat ride on Hoai River and release the flower lanterns to pray for the best luck to you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street. Free your time with the night market and enjoy the shimmering space of Hoi An.
Back to your hotel in Da Nang. Overnight in Da Nang City. 

• Transportation: Limousine or Tourist Bus
• English-speaking guide (at least 5 years of experience)
• A bottle of water 
• Basket Boat & boat ride - flower lantern
• ​Meals: Dinner with Hoi An local food (1 dish) (Chicken rice/ Cau Lau/ My Quang/…)
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Not included

7:30 - 8:15: Our transportation and a tour guide pick you up at your hotel lobby. Enjoy a ride to Ba Na Hills via cable car.

Spend your time in the most modern cable car in Southeast Asia, visit Dream Stream Cable Car Station, and admire the breath-taking view of Da Nang coastal city.

After finishing the first cable car, you will visit The Golden Bridge, which has the most exotic structure and is also one of the world’s most prominent pedestrian bridges, as highlighted by the British Guard newspaper, Le Jardin D’amourn (which consists of nine gardens), and Linh Ung Pagoda.

Sit on the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village, where you could enjoy street music, watch Art’s statue, Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, watch the Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome, etc.

12:00: You will enjoy a buffet lunch at the restaurant.

13:00 - 14:30: Enjoy 105 free games at Fantasy Park and the outside area.
Free to visit and take pictures at French Village, Moon Castle,...
Take in entertaining shows,..

15:00: The group gathered down the cable car.

17:00 - 17:30: The transportation and the tour guide drops you off at your hotel in Da Nang.

• Transportation: Shuttle Bus
• English-speaking guide 
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Vietnamese lunch buffet served on the tour as mentioned.
• Cable car ticket
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Not included

07:30 - 08:00: Pick up at the designated meeting point and depart for Hue via Hai Van Tunnel. On the way, stop to admire the scenic Lang Co Bay.
Upon arrival in Hue, visit Khai Dinh Tomb, an architectural masterpiece blending Eastern and Western influences, showcasing intricate and majestic designs.

12:00 - 13:00: Enjoy a traditional Hue-style lunch and take a short break at a local restaurant.

13:00 - 13:45: Continue the journey to Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic temple built during the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang, offering stunning views of the Perfume River.

13:45 - 15:30: Explore the Imperial City (Dai Noi), the former royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visit famous landmarks such as:

• Ngo Mon Gate
• Thai Hoa Palace
• Forbidden Purple City
• Tinh Tam Lake
• The Mieu Temple
• Hien Lam Pavilion
• Nine Dynastic Urns

17:30: Depart for Da Nang. Arrival in Da Nang, marking the end of the tour with warm farewells.

• Transportation: Tourist Bus
• English-speaking guide 
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Vietnamese lunch served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets 
• Accommodation: Not included

After breakfast at your hotel, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City - the most vibrant and bustling metropolis in Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city center for check-in.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy! You have the full day at leisure to start exploring this energetic city in your own way. You might choose to:

Visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market for some local souvenirs.

Simply relax at a street-side café and watch the rhythmic flow of local life.

Note:

• Meals: On your own account.
• Accommodation: On your own arrangement.
• Transportation: Private car transfer for airport pick-up and drop-off included.

7:30: Our guide picks you up at your hotel, you will embark on a scenic one and a half hour drive by minivan to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

The tranquil rural landscape, with serene rice paddies dotted with ducks and water buffalo swimming in the rivers along the roadside, makes it difficult to imagine the widespread destruction caused by bombings and mines when Cu Chi was designated a "Free Target Zone". Despite the peaceful surroundings, remnants of the past reveal the area's fierce battleground history. Curious about what it feels like to fire an AK-47. At the Cu Chi Tunnels, you will have the opportunity to experience it firsthand!

We will depart from Cu Chi to My Tho city for two hours by van. On the way to My Tho, we stopped at a restaurant to have lunch.
Upon arriving in My Tho City, you will board a boat that takes you along a tranquil canal, offering an escape from the bustling town. As you cruise through the coconut tree-lined waterways, you will reach a charming coconut island in Ben Tre. Disembark and stroll through the village, where you can visit a local family to enjoy tropical fruits, honey tea, and honey wine while listening to traditional Vietnamese music performed by the villagers.
Continue your walk along the village road to a Coconut Candy Shop, where you can learn how the candy is made and see various handicrafts created from coconut trees. As you wander through the village, you will be surrounded by a vibrant array of fruits, flowers, and trees, along with local houses and playful children. Take your time to capture beautiful photos and soak in the natural beauty of the Mekong Delta.

17:00 - 17:30: Depart for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

19:00: Tour concludes as you are dropped off at your hotel.

• Transportation: by van 7, 16, 29 seats
• Motor boat trip
• Small row boat
• Professional English speaking tour guide
• A bottle of water 
• ​Meals: Vietnamese lunch are served on the tour as mentioned.
• Entrance tickets
• Accommodation: Not included

Enjoy your final morning in the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh. This day is completely at your leisure for any last-minute sightseeing, relaxing, or souvenir shopping at the local markets.

Depending on your flight schedule, our private driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and provide a comfortable transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight back home.

We hope you have had a wonderful journey through Vietnam and carry with you many unforgettable memories. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back!

Note:

• Meals: On your own account.
• Accommodation: Not included.
• Transportation: Private car transfer for airport drop-off included.